Siauliai returns PF Aurimas Kieza after four years - Aug 2, 2012
POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET NEWS
follow us on
Aurimas Kieza (202-PF-82, college: Hofstra) is back to Siauliai after four years. The Lithuanian power forward signed a deal for the next season. He spent the last one with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys. For 19 games in Baltic league Kieza averaged 4.9 points and 3 rebounds. The player also added 4.4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 24 LKL games. Before Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys, Aurimas Kieza spent one year with Juventus-LKSK Utenos, where he shined with 15.3 ppg and 9.4 rpg for 30 LKL games. Kieza was top rebounder and second scorer of the competition. He had pretty close numbers in Baltic league as well. The player split 2009/10 season between Ukrainian Marijampole Suduva-Arvi and Cypriot Keravnos Nicosia. Actually, he finished that season with Italian Reggio Emilia. In 2008/09 he was a member of Poltava-Basket Poltava, Ukraine. Aurimas Kieza played for Siauliai from 2006 to 2008.
SHARE ON:
Dainius Salenga selected the top Lithuanian playing abroad in last week's games - May 20, 2013
POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET CENTER
follow us on
Here is the weekly review of the top performing Lithuanian players, who play currently abroad. This week's number one is an experienced former international forward Dainius Salenga (197-77). He led Budivelnyk to a victory over the closely-ranked Azovmash in the Ukrainian Superleague in Wednesday night's game.
[read more]
Here is the weekly review of the top performing Lithuanian players, who play currently abroad.
#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international forward Dainius Salenga (197-77, currently plays in Ukraine). He led Budivelnyk to a victory over the closely-ranked Azovmash (25-14) 89-82 in the Ukrainian Superleague in Wednesday night's game.
Salenga was MVP of the game. He recorded 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 26 minutes on the court.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Budivelnyk Kyiv (28-11) is placed first in the Superleague.
This year Salenga averages: 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 53.1%, 3FGP: 31.5% and FT: 74.7% in the 42 games he played so far.
He played for the Lithuanian senior national team eight years ago.
#2. Second place goes to former U20 international forward Donatas Zavackas (203-80, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in VTB United League), who plays in Latvia. Zavackas could not help VEF Riga (11-7) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the fourth-placed VEF Riga was crushed 104-82 on the road by the leading Khimky in the group B of VTB United League.
Zavackas was the second best scorer with 19 points. He also added 6 rebounds in 31 minutes.
It's Zavackas' first season with the team.
This year Zavackas' overall stats are: 9.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3FGP: 48.3%(58-120) and FT: 71.0% in the 24 games.
He played for the Lithuanian U20 national team in 2000.
#3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Jonas Maciulis (199-85, currently plays in Greece). Maciulis contributed to Panathinaikos' victory against the closely-ranked PAOK (17-9) 71-61 in the Greek A1 in Saturday night's game.
He scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Panathinaikos Athens (21-1) is placed first in the A1.
It was his team's 16th consecutive victory in a row.
They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical.
Maciulis' total stats this season are: 9.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 59.2%(42-71), 3FGP: 39.2% and FT: 69.6%.
He is also a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.
#4. Point guard Mantas Kalnietis (195-86, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in VTB United League) contributed to Lokomotiv's victory against the closely-ranked Unics Kazan (14-4) 77-65 in the VTB United League last Thursday.
Kalnietis scored 10 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 30 minutes.
Lokomotiv Kuban (12-6) is placed third in group B.
Kalnietis has relatively good stats this year: 13.5ppg, 2.7rpg and 4.1apg in the 20 games.
He is also Lithuanian national team player.
#5. International center Antanas Kavaliauskas (207-84, also represented by Interperformances, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Latvia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Donatas Zavackas. But that was another game of his team in Latvian LBL which we would like to mention.
Kavaliauskas was the main contributor in a VEF Riga's victory against the closely-ranked Ventspils (17-3) crushing them 69-42.
He was the best player in that game. Kavaliauskas scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
VEF Riga (19-1) is placed fourth in the LBL.
It was his team's 14th consecutive victory in a row.
This season Kavaliauskas has relatively solid stats: 10.9ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.2apg.
He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.
#6. Center Michailis Anisimovas (214-84, currently plays in Ukraine) is a teammate of previously mentioned Dainius Salenga. However that was another game of his team in Ukrainian Superleague which brought him to that list.
Anisimovas was not able to help Budivelnyk (28-11) in their game against Azovmash (25-14).
He scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 22 minutes.
The league leader Budivelnyk lost 73-77 at home to the lower-ranked (#3) Azovmash.
Anisimovas is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Budivelnyk's roster.
This season Anisimovas' total stats are: 10.0ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.1apg in the 50 games.
He is a former university international player as he played for the Lithuanian team six years ago.
#7. Former University international guard Vaidotas Peciukas (199-82, college: Hawaii, currently plays in Romania), who plays in the Romanian Liga Nationala was not able to secure a victory for Targu Mures (23-7) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Peciukas' very good performance the league leader Targu Mures was defeated 83-78 on their home court in Mures by the lower-ranked Ploiesti (#3).
He was the top scorer with 20 points. Peciukas also added 6 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line).
Peciukas has reliable stats this season: 14.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg and 1.1spg.
He used to play for the Lithuanian university national team
eight years ago.
#8. Point guard Arvydas Eitutavicius (188-82, college: American, currently plays in Poland) contributed to Anwil's victory against the leader PGE Turow (23-9) 75-63 in the Polish TBL on Thursday night.
Eitutavicius was the top player that evening. He scored 17 points in 29 minutes.
Anwil Wloclawek (18-14) is placed fifth in Places 1-6 group.
Eitutavicius has averaged so far 7.1ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.3apg in the 22 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
back in 2010.
#9. International small forward Simas Jasaitis (202-82, currently plays in VTB United League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mantas Kalnietis. But that was another game of his team in VTB United League we would like to talk about.
Jasaitis couldn't help Lokomotiv (12-6) in their game against Unics Kazan (14-4).
He scored 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
Lokomotiv (#3) was edged 68-65 on their home court in Kuban by the second-ranked Unics Kazan in the group B of VTB United League.
Jasaitis has averaged so far 7.5ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.2apg.
He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.
#10. Point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland, currently plays in Euroleague) couldn't help Regal FC Barcelona (13-1) in their game against CSKA Moscow (11-3) in the Euroleague. Jasikevicius cannot count Sunday's game as one of the best ones.
He recorded only 2 points and added 6 assists in 18 minutes.
Regal FC Barcelona was edged 74-73 in Moscow by the leading CSKA in the group F of Euroleague.
Jasikevicius has averaged so far 4.9ppg and 2.0apg in the 31 games.
He is an international player who is currently on the senior Lithuanian National Team roster.
#11. Former U20 international guard Mantas Cesnauskis (191-81, currently plays in Poland) contributed to a Stelmet ZG's victory against the leader AZS Koszalin 89-83 in the Polish TBL in Tuesday night's game.
He scored 9 points in 15 minutes.
Cesnauskis has averaged so far 5.9ppg, 1.5rpg and 2.1apg in the 35 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian U20 national team
thirteen years ago.
#12. International shooting guard Deividas Dulkys (198-88, college: Florida St., currently plays in Latvia) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Barons kvartals in their game against Valmiera in the Latvian LBL.
Dulkys scored 9 points.
His team was defeated 72-65.
Dulkys averaged so far 10.8ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.3apg.
He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.
#13. Former University international center Egidijus Dimsa (205-85, currently plays in Estonia) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams one of league's weakest teams TU/Rock in their game against Kalev/Cramo in the Estonian KML.
Dimsa scored 6 points in 19 minutes.
His team lost 58-67.
Dimsa has averaged so far 8.4ppg and 5.2rpg in the 25 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian university national team
four years ago.
#14. Former international guard Donatas Slanina (192-77, currently plays in Italy) couldn't help Trenkwalder RE in their game against Lottomatica Roma in the Italian SerieA.
Slanina recorded 7 points.
His team was edged 71-68.
This season Slanina averages only 4.3ppg.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
back in 2004.
#15. Former international guard Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-79, agency: XL Basketball Agency, currently plays in Turkey) couldn't help Tofas in their game against Anadolu Efes in the Turkish TBL.
Lukauskis scored 7 points and added 3 passes in 25 minutes.
His team lost 72-86.
Lukauskis has averaged so far 7.8ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.9apg in the 17 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
two years ago.
The list of other players, who all have Lithuanian passport but never been selected to any of Lithuanian national teams:
#1. Experienced Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, college: Michigan, currently plays in Belgium) led Okapi Aalstar to a victory over the closely-ranked Antwerp Giants (17-11) 99-93 in the Belgian Ethias League last Tuesday.
Young was the best player in that game. He recorded 33 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Generali Okapi Aalstar (17-11) is placed fourth in the Ethias League.
Young belongs to league's best rebounders (ranked #6) and also on the list of best blockers (fifth place).
His overall stats this season are: 9.8ppg and 6.1rpg.
Young is a naturalized American.
Strangely he has never played in Lithuania.
#2.Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St., currently plays in Germany), who plays in the German BBL could not help Telekom Baskets (18-16) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Veikalas' good performance Telekom Baskets was defeated 89-80 on the road by the second-ranked EWE Baskets.
He scored 12 points.
Veikalas averaged so far 11.4ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.3apg.
VTB League: Zalgiris advanced to the Final Four - May 19, 2013
POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET NEWS
follow us on
Novgorod - Zalgiris 59:66
Zalgiris advanced to the Final Four of VTB League. The Lithuanian team won Game 4 in Nizhny Novgorod 66:59 and beat the local team 3-1 in the series.
It looked good early as BC Nizhny Novgorod took a 9-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Zalgiris took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 7 points. They made 21-of-27 charity shots (77.8 percent) during the game, while BC Nizhny Novgorod only scored four points from the stripe [read more]
Novgorod - Zalgiris 59:66
Zalgiris advanced to the Final Four of VTB League. The Lithuanian team won Game 4 in Nizhny Novgorod 66:59 and beat the local team 3-1 in the series. It looked good early as BC Nizhny Novgorod took a 9-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Zalgiris took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 7 points. They made 21-of-27 charity shots (77.8 percent) during the game, while BC Nizhny Novgorod only scored four points from the stripe. BC Nizhny Novgorod was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American Oliver Lafayette (188-G-84, college: Houston) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) contributed with 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Semen Antonov (202-PF-89, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) replied with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Evgeni Baburin (190-G-87) added 12 points and 4 steals in the effort for BC Nizhny Novgorod.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas may join Unicaja - May 19, 2013
POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET NEWS
follow us on
Unicaja Malaga (ACB) is close to sign 24-year old Lithuanian international forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-98kg-89) who currently plays B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania. Kuzminskas managed to play in three leagues this year (!!!). In 19 LKL games he recorded 13.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.4apg and 1.6spg. He helped them to win the league title. Great season indeed as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game [read more]
Unicaja Malaga (ACB) is close to sign 24-year old Lithuanian international forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-98kg-89) who currently plays B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania. Kuzminskas managed to play in three leagues this year (!!!). In 19 LKL games he recorded 13.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.4apg and 1.6spg. He helped them to win the league title. Great season indeed as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game. Kuzminskas also played 23 games in Euroleague where he averaged 7.1ppg and 3.1rpg. He also played 20 games in VTB United League where he averaged 8.9ppg and 4.0rpg. The last season Kuzminskas played also at Zalgiris (LKL) in Lithuanian league. The team played in four different competitions (!!!) that year, and he had a chance to explore basketball on different levels. In 23 LKL games he averaged 7.8ppg and 3.2rpg. He contributed to his team winning the cup and end the regular season at the top position. Kuzminskas also played 11 games in Euroleague where he averaged 3.0ppg and 1.5rpg. He also played 4 games in Baltic League where he averaged 7.8ppg and 2.0rpg. And finally Kuzminskas played 14 games in VTB United League where he averaged 6.8ppg and 2.9rpg. He contributed to his team making it to the quarterfinals. Among other achievements Kuzminskas received Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Player of the Year award and Eurobasket.com All-Lithuanian LKL Domestic Player of the Year award back in 2010. He was also a member of Lithuanian international program for some years. Kuzminskas played for Lithuanian Senior National Team two years ago and previously for U18 National Team in 2007. He represented Lithuania at the European Championships U20 in Rhodos (Greece) four years ago. His stats at that event were 9 games: 9.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.6spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 78.9%. Kuzminskas has played previously professionally in Italy and Lithuania (Siauliai, Sakalai, Zemaitis Raseiniai and Perlas).
Copyright (c) 1998-2013 Eurobasket Inc. Disclaimer
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site !
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the site, nor will you attempt to do so.
